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When Jesus was crucified many believed it was over. Three and a half years of profound miracles, healings and restorations came to a grinding halt. Although despair reigned in many people's hearts, something phenomenal was happening in the unseen realm. Jesus wrested control from satan. Satan's dominion over humankind was decisively crushed (Colossians 2:13-15).
It Isn't Over!
Back on Earth, two downhearted men trudged towards the nearby town of Emmaus. The resurrected Jesus joined them. Despair blinded the men from recognizing Jesus. Jesus explained the Scriptures that spoke of Him and the necessity of His suffering. The men's hearts burned as Jesus spoke. Still, it wasn't until later that evening that they recognized it was Him (Luke 24:13-35).
When Jesus first told Peter that He would be crucified, Peter responded with an emphatic, "This shall not happen to you!" (Matthew 16:22b). Jesus rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind Me, satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men" (Matthew 16:23b). Despite this rebuke, Peter continued to defend Jesus from any threat of death right up until the Roman soldiers took Him prisoner (John 18:10). In Peter's mind, he was simply defending Jesus and defending the faith.
Mary of Bethany was different. Instead of defending Jesus she poured expensive oil on His feet. In doing this she actually anointed Him for burial (John 12:1-8). Mary's perspective was different than Peter's. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
Firstly, she had experienced the power of resurrection in a very dynamic way when Jesus raised her brother Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-45). Lazarus died and it wasn't over.
Secondly, she spent a good deal of time at Jesus' feet, listening to Him, learning from Him, loving Him (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus died but it wasn't over. In fact, He made it clear with His own words: "From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day" (Matthew 16:21).
Things Are Not Always as They Seem
In a very real sense Mary was a seer. She saw things that Peter didn't see. Peter was too busy defending Jesus. Mary also saw things that her sister Martha didn't see. Martha was too busy serving Jesus. The things that Mary saw couldn't be taken from her but they did cause her to be judged unfairly at times. Premature judgment isn't wise. Things are not always as they seem.
The lesson is simple: Sometimes when it's over, it's not over. Jesus' death and resurrection should always caution us from making this mistake. Those who are wise let God determine whether something is over or not.
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Nathan Shaw
Heart of David Ministries
Email: fireanddestiny@slingshot.co.nz
Website: www.heartofdavidministries.org
Nathan Shaw helps bring individuals and churches into dynamic encounters with God's indescribable love. Over the last twenty years he has been instrumental in ushering in significant moves of the Spirit in over ten different nations. Many have experienced life-changing prophetic encounters and dramatic visitations from God. Nathan is the author of two books: Passion and Fire and Unto the Least of These. Nathan is senior pastor at Fire and Destiny Centre, Dunedin and Celebration Church, Mosgiel.
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